johnc

[johnc]

Good morning, Im having both my knees replaced on may 20th. My doctor does over 300 replacements yearly so i think im in good hands, Im scared as hell getting both done at the same time and I don't know what Im in for. I would love to hear back from you all, thanks john c

 

[JenniferG]

Hi john, I had both knees done March 18. i think it's the way to go if you need both done. Others prefer taking turns. But now I know I am done. ya know what I mean? As far as after, you do what you have to to get better. They will hold you, you can't break them. That is what they told me and I belived them. If you have any more specific ?'s let me know. there are a couple other Bi-lats here as well that can add and Josephine our moderator has seen almost everything.

 

[johnc]

Thanks jennifer, Will I be able to get out of bed and my chair by myself after I come home from the hospital, do you just grit your teeth and let you knew knees pull you up? I will be home most of the day alone

 

[Turtlelady53]

Hi John: We are in the same boat. I am scheduled for both knees on June 16and also getting VERY nervous. I can't give you words of encouragement from personal experience yet, but I have found this forum a great support network. I've been reading some of the earlier posts, especially from JenniferG, and have found them encouraging. I personally just want to bite the bullet and get it over with as opposed to going through this twice. I helped take care of my mother after bi-later knee surgery, and she was in her 70's and took it like a trooper! She also encouraged me to do the same. Good luck to you and welcome to the "family."

 

[JenniferG]

Hi Guys! John. The first time I got out of bed was in the hospital. You will get some PT there. Probably everyday twice a day. How ever it feels do it! It's going to hurt some whether you do one or 2 knees and I don't think doing 2 hurts double. You let your QUADS pull you up. And yes you might grit your teeth. So any quad strengthening you can do before surgery will only help. All those exercises they show you in PT and in the hospital strengthen & use the quads. I only had 6 weeks from 1st DR appointment to surgery, so even only a month of hard work at PT before surgerypays off. You may go to rehab before you go home. They wont let you go home if you can't get up. So if you need it rehab is good. Just know that every single day it easier to get up. In the beginning I had to think about it for a good 5 minutes before I would get up, now I just do it. I have this little deal with myself. I use a trigger phrase of "jennifer get up" and have decided that once I say that phrase, I'm getting up, NO MATTER WHAT. Ofcourse safety is a given. But I find half of this is mental. Yes it is also physically demanding. But still easier than what they were (knees) before surgery. Try and set up the house as much as possible, Strong chairs, no rugs, Raised toilet, shower chair, help with meals, easy clothes.

 

[Jamie]

John, I didn't have both knees done...only the right. But if at all possible, I would suggest you getting an exercise bicycle for your use at home. It seems to help in getting your range of motion back faster to be able to get on it every day for a few minutes....even if you can't circle all the way around, it lets you work those muscles without hurting yourself too bad. I used a recumbent bike, but others here have used an upright one. Sometimes you can pick one up used at garage sales or a thrift store. Something for you to consider. Best of luck to you!!! .....Jamie

 

[Newwoman]

Hi John & Turtlelady,
I'm Cathy and had right total knee replacement on Jan 9th and the best thing both of you can do is stay on this forum and before or after hop over to the after forum and you will get plenty of advice and shoulders to cry on if needed.
I felt very alone after having my surgery and my husband had already had his done many years before but there was no one to connect with going through the same thing I was at the same time until I found this site. I have thanked God ever since as I feel the people on this site got me through some really rough spots and knew exactly how I felt because they had either just been through it or were going through it with me.
We won't let you down I promise and we will keep you in our prayers as your date for surgery nears.
Cathy

 

[Nursepair]

Welcome John, can't give advice on Bi lats, but JennG and Jo will help. The people here have helped me such a lot!!!! They are all wonderfully encourageing and have great personalities.

Good luck with your surgery and post often. Sue

 

[Josephine]

Yes indeed! Come and post often - ask questions - whatever you need.

 

[johnc]

well I made it home after a total knee replacement. r knee.

 

[JenniferG]

Hi John, welcome back! Glad to hear you're on the other side. You signed r knee. Do you end up only doing one? Either way = less pain. Keep posting so we can encourage you,share our experiences, answer quetsions and maybe even make you laugh.

 

[1jt@atime]

Welcome to the other side John. Let us know how you are doing. The first couple of weeks aren't any fun. We're here to lend support. Karen

 

[Turtlelady53]

Welcome back to the forum, John. Did you only have one knee replaced, or was it both? At any rate, keep posting when you're up to it. We're all routing for you!
Sharon

 

[Josephine]

Many BTKRs end up only having one for a great variety of reasons. Could something to do with the patient's general health, could be the anaesthetist wasn't willing for some reason or even a time constraint in OR.

Hope you weren't too disappointed but at least you're halfway done now. How are you getting along?